2020-2021

Tampa Catholic High School 4630 N. Rome Avenue

Tampa, FL 33603

(813) 870-0860

TAMPA CATHOLIC REOPENING PLAN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: OVERALL PROCEDURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

General Guidelines Page 3

Sanitation Page 3

Classrooms Page 3

Water Fountains Page 3

Masks Page 4

PART 2: THE SCHOOL DAY

Health Protocols Page 4

Arrival /Dismissal Page 5

Attendance Page 5

Daily Schedule Page 5

Lunch Page 5

Movement of Students Page 6

PART 3: THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Cultivating Excellence Page 7

Technology Enhancement Page 7

Teacher Expectations Page 7

Parent/Family Expectations Page 8

PART 4: STUDENT LIFE & ATHLETICS

School Masses and Other Large Gatherings Page 9

Club Activities Page 9

Physical Education Page 9

Service Hours Page 9

Athletics Page 9

PART 5: TC FLEX (Flexible Learning Education and eXperiences)

Enrollment Page 10

Student Parent Expectations Page 10

Teacher Expectations Page 11

PART 6: ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS

Hybrid Page 13

Mandated Temporary Distance Learning Page 13

PART 7: STUDENT SUPPORT

Social Emotional Page 14

Guidance Page 14

Student Support Services Page 14

PART 8: PLAN OF ACTION - POSSIBLE COVID-19 CASES

Update from the Diocese of St. Petersburg Page 14

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Dear Tampa Catholic Families,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 academic year. In the last 6 months we have seen a shift in education in

the United States. Our teachers have developed innovative methods to engage learners, families have

shared in the academic process in a more intimate way, and administrators have expanded their

abilities to manage live and virtual environments. In extraordinary times like these, reevaluation of

practices is mandatory.

The guidelines referenced in this plan are based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH). The use of best practices in education

and guidance from the Department of Education (DOE), Department of Children and Families

(DCF), the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), and the Florida Catholic Conference

(FCC) were used to create this plan. Regular updates will be made to this plan based on information

provided by all the organizations mentioned above and applicable federal, state, and local agencies.

Tampa Catholic exists to glorify God by cultivating academic excellence, growing personally and

spiritually, and serving the community. Traditionally, this mission has been established in a

community setting with face to face instruction. With proper protocols for sanitation and social

distancing, we plan to continue this tradition in full by opening on August 24th for faculty, staff, and

students.

Some families may choose to begin the year online with our flexible learning option (TC FLEX). In

order to begin the year utilizing TC FLEX, families must indicate this choice on their Intent to

Return surveys by August 10th. All students choosing to be a part of the TC FLEX program will be

expected to attend their classes synchronously via Zoom. They will follow the bell schedule for the

day with attendance taken during each class period. Teachers will provide instruction, notes, and

assignments in real-time through the Canvas platform. Students in TC FLEX will be expected to

complete and electronically submit homework and classwork by the specified deadlines. They will

participate in all learning activities remotely. Assessments will be proctored utilizing Lockdown

Browser, an app which prevents students from navigating away from the assessment while it is in

progress. Some summatives and exams may need to be proctored on campus for enhanced security.

Tampa Catholic prides itself in being a top choice in Catholic education for over 57 years. While

this school year will be different in some regards, we will continue to cultivate academic excellence

in all we do.

Robert Lees Cheriese Edwards Principal Vice-Principal

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PART 1: OVERALL PROCEDURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

General Guidelines:

Tampa Catholic is committed to the following safety precautions in preparation for the opening of a

safe school. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is recommended to minimize exposure to

COVID-19. PPE materials can include, but are not limited to, masks, gloves, and/or shields. To

protect students, staff and families, TC will require face coverings when social distancing is not

possible. This mandatory protocol will be in place for all staff, students and visitors to our campus.

Additional effective practices which will be required include: washing hands regularly for at least 20

seconds; avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue

when you cough or sneeze; and using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Sanitation

● ACTIVEPURE®️ Air & Surface purification systems have been installed in all buildings on

the academic campus.

● Sanitizing foggers will be used for deep cleaning daily.

● Hand sanitizer stations have been installed in the hallways of all buildings on campus. Hand

sanitizer will also be available in classrooms.

● Maintenance will frequently clean handrails, bathrooms, and other high contact points in

order to maintain a healthy environment.

● Desks and other high contact surfaces within classrooms will be wiped down throughout the

day.

Classrooms

● Two-person desks have been removed and replaced with individual desks.

● Desks will be in rows with all desks facing in the same direction. Desks will be spaced apart.

● Assigned seats will be mandatory. Teachers will maintain accurate seating charts.

● Students must stay in seats as much as possible while in the classrooms.

● In the classrooms, students will be required to wear masks/face shields when social

distancing cannot be maintained.

Water Fountains ● Water fountains will be turned off and unusable until further notice.

● Students should bring personal water bottles to school.

● If a student needs to have a drink during class, he or she will need to get permission to step

into the hallway to get a drink from his or her personal water bottle.

● Students will not be permitted to drink in the passing time between classes since they will

not be able to keep appropriate distance from others and must wear masks.

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● Students will be given permission to leave the classroom with e-hallpass, an iPad app which

teachers and administrators will use to manage student movement around campus and

control the number of students in any location.

Masks

● Face coverings are required for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. This requirement is

subject to change throughout the school year.

● Students who do not wear a mask/shield to school will be sent home or given a mask to

wear.

● Students unable to wear a mask for the school day should enroll in the TC FLEX program.

● Approved masks have NO Symbols, NO writing, and NO messages other than the TC logo.

● Students may be granted permission to remove masks in classrooms where social distancing

is possible.

PART 2: THE SCHOOL DAY

Health Protocols

● All faculty and staff will be trained on the latest CDC guidelines regarding social distancing,

the wearing of masks, and cleaning and sanitizing by a healthcare representative.

● Faculty and staff will be asked daily to confirm that they have had no symptoms of illness in

the past 24 hours. Faculty and staff who have a fever or any symptoms of illness will be

required to stay at home and must report illness to administration.

● Parents/Guardians are responsible for screening their students daily prior to coming to

school. Students who have a fever or any symptoms of illness will be required to stay home.

● Parents/Guardians are responsible for reporting any illness immediately by calling (813-870-

0860) or emailing (receptionist@tampacatholic.org) the Receptionist.

● If a student develops a fever or any significant symptoms of illness during the school day, he

or she will be sent to a designated isolation room and his or her parent/guardian will be

contacted. The parent/guardian will be required to immediately (WITHIN 60 MINUTES)

pick up the student.

People with COVID-19 have a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to

severe illnesses. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. People with these symptoms may

have COVID-19:

○ Fever or Chills

○ Cough

○ Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

○ Fatigue

○ Muscle or body aches

○ Headaches

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○ New loss of taste or smell

○ Sore throat

○ Congestion or runny nose

○ Nausea or vomiting

○ Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

Arrival /Dismissal

● Parents will be encouraged to plan arrival and departure times so that they align as closely as

possible to school hours (7:30 AM to 3:30 PM).

● Students WILL BE required to wear masks during arrival. Masks should be put on prior to

exiting the car.

● Students who do not wear a mask/shield will be sent home or given a mask to wear.

● Student drivers are encouraged to stay in their cars until the 8:00 AM bell.

● Students WILL BE required to wear masks during dismissal.

● Students are encouraged to leave school immediately after their school business has

concluded for the day.

Attendance

Catholic Schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg will operate with the goal of having students

physically present for face-to-face learning. Children should attend school unless prohibited by local

public health mandates or because of unique medical or familial needs. Children who are not

physically present will be required to document the reason for not attending school and comply with

the school’s alternative educational program.

Daily Schedule

For the first semester, Tampa Catholic will keep a fixed schedule with the class periods running in

this order every day: A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H. We will evaluate the viability of our typical rotating

schedule for the second semester.

Lunch

Families will still be able to purchase lunches through Catering by the Family. Lunches will be

consumed in various locations (e.g., the cafeteria, outdoor picnic tables, and other alternative lunch

spaces) to allow for social distancing. Families who wish to limit risk even more may wish to pack

lunches in lieu of purchasing lunches.

● Cafeteria workers and volunteers will be required to wear masks and gloves at all times

during lunch preparation and lunch service.

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● More limited lunch options will be offered to best facilitate quick, efficient, and safe service.

● In the cafeteria, tables will be separated instead of being set up in long rows. This will better

allow for social distancing while students are eating.

● All tables and other surfaces will be wiped down and sanitized after each lunch period

Movement of Students

● Hallways in the North, Center, and South buildings will be one-way, with entrance from the

east side and exit from the west side. Movement in the hallways will always flow from east

to west.

● East stairwells will be used to go upstairs and west stairwells will be used to go downstairs.

● Students will not be sent to the restrooms in groups.

● Students will use the e-hallpass app to request permission to use the restroom or leave the

classroom. An administrator will use the app to set limitations regarding the number of

students in the hallways, restrooms, etc.

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PART 3: THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Cultivating Excellence

In both live instruction and the TC FLEX program, our professional educators will engage students

using rigorous instructional practices to prepare students for collegiate success.

Technology Enhancements

● The IT department has configured iPads for all new students and has sent student email,

password and acceptable use documents electronically.

● Incoming families have received information about the safe distribution of iPads prior to the

opening of school.

● Families can purchase and download textbooks through eCampus prior to the start of

school. Hard copies of books will be sent to your home.

● Professional Zoom licenses have been purchased for enhanced safety and security of class

content.

● Web cameras have been purchased for each classroom to allow for live streaming of

instruction.

● Students will be able to access class documents, receive information and announcements,

and submit all assignments digitally through Canvas.

● Students will follow a synchronous school schedule when in TC FLEX. Teachers will live

stream or pre-record daily classes via Zoom or another appropriate platform.

Teacher Expectations

● Develop high quality lesson plans and post Canvas announcements weekly for parents and

students to view; adjust plans as necessary.

● Take attendance in each period.

● Communicate with parents and students regularly.

● Begin each class with prayer and serve as the spiritual leader for the class.

● Integrate faith into lessons.

● Consider ways to focus on relationships and connections, not just content.

● Use alternative and formative assessments regularly.

● Create cross-curricular work when possible to maximize efficiency.

● Be flexible and show compassion to your students and their families.

● Presume the best of your students and parents.

● Provide consistent and regular feedback.

● Post grades consistently.

● Adopt a growth mindset.

● Participate in professional development opportunities.

● Continue to work on unit and lesson plans in advance.

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● Consult with other teachers to ensure vertical alignment, share best practices and/or

successful strategies.

● Professionalism: adhere to policies and procedures set forth by your school and including

email communication, webinars, and student learning.

Parent/Family Expectations

Student Expectations:

● Dedicate appropriate time to learning daily.

● Attend all live classes and/or virtual sessions.

● Follow dress code when attending live sessions.

● Ensure you know usernames and passwords for instructional resources.

● Submit all assignments by due dates established by your teachers.

● Absences are recorded by the school. If you are unable to attend, parents must notify the

school to report your absence. Please refer to the school’s policy regarding excused and

unexcused absences.

● Do your own work.

● Communicate with your teacher if you have questions or concerns. Ask for help if you need

it.

● Be considerate of others when participating in online discussions.

● Follow the TC Acceptable Use Policy and be exceptional digital citizens.

Parent Expectations:

● Communicate regularly with teachers and school staff.

● Support your child with on-site, blended, or virtual learning.

● Student accountability and responsibility: ensure student is actively engaged and learning.

● Regularly check Canvas and PlusPortals.

● Participate in trainings, webinars, and/or meetings offered by the school.

● Support the community and prayer life of the school.

● Adhere to the school’s absence policies.

● Follow school policies for class assignments, homework, projects, tests and quizzes as well

as academic integrity.

● Presume the best of the teachers and school leaders.

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PART 4: STUDENT LIFE & ATHLETICS

Over 78% of the Tampa Catholic student body is engaged in extracurricular activities and athletics

in a typical school year. While we will continue to offer these activities for our student body, we will

utilize technology and additional safety measures to encourage students’ personal and spiritual

growth.

School Masses and Other Large Gatherings

School Masses are essential to the life of our TC community. However, Mass attendance by the full

student body, faculty, and staff would exceed the current allowable limit. Additionally, social

distancing could not be maintained. For the near future, students, faculty, and staff will either view a

livestream of Mass or celebrate Mass with a class-sized group in the Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel.

Parent meetings and back-to-school events will be either held virtually or limited to only a small

number of people on campus at one time.

Club activities

Tampa Catholic recognizes the importance of co-curricular activities in a well-rounded high school

experience. Clubs are encouraged to resume activity in a virtual format at this time.

Physical Education Students scheduled for Physical Education will practice social distancing during class and are

excused from wearing masks during physical activity. All equipment will be sanitized after each use.

Service Hours

In a typical school year, Tampa Catholic requires every 9th and 10th grade student to complete 10

service hours per semester and every 11th and 12th grade student to complete 15 service hours per

semester. For the 2020-2021 academic year, students are encouraged to complete as many service

hours as possible. However, a minimum number of service hours has NOT been determined for the

2020-2021 academic year.

Athletics

Tampa Catholic will follow guidelines from the local athletic league and FHSAA regarding athletics.

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PART 5: TC FLEX (Flexible Learning Education and eXperiences)

All grade levels at Tampa Catholic will have a flexible learning option (TC FLEX) for families with

COVID-related concerns.

Families with COVID-related needs (as defined by the school) may switch from in-person to TC

FLEX at any time throughout the first semester. Students will be allowed to return to in-person, on-

campus learning during the semester if family circumstances change. Families may need to provide

documentation of health to ensure a safe return to school.

TC FLEX will remain in place as long as COVID-19 continues to be a concern. The need for TC

FLEX on a school-wide basis will be re-evaluated by the Tampa Catholic Health and Safety Task

Force at the end of the fall semester.

Enrollment

Families wishing to begin the school year enrolled in TC FLEX will need to indicate that choice in

the enrollment intention form by August 10th. Families wishing to enroll in TC FLEX after the start

of the school year will need to complete the form linked below.

https://forms.gle/sAwup7dDiU4NzEuH7

Student/Parent Expectations

Below are the expectations for families enrolled in TC FLEX.

● Students will begin TC FLEX no later than day three of the student’s enrollment.

● Online classes will be held synchronously, at the same time the scheduled class meets on

campus. Teachers will live stream or pre-record daily classes via Zoom or another

appropriate platform.

● Students are expected to be present in the Zoom waiting room at the beginning of their

scheduled class time. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class and reported to the

main office.

● Students are expected to attend each class every day. If a student will be absent from class, a

parent/guardian must contact the front office at 813-870-0860 or

receptionist@tampacatholic.org by 8:00 AM.

● Students will be able to access class documents and information through Canvas.

● In addition to attending Zoom classes, students are expected to check Canvas daily for

announcements/assignments and to check their school email daily.

● All assignments will be turned in digitally. No assignments will be requested as hard copies.

● Students will be responsible for contacting teachers for additional assistance when they are

having difficulty in a class.

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● Students are expected to be dressed appropriately for school, but will not be required to

wear school uniforms.

● Students are expected to have their video on so that they can be seen by the teacher and be

in an area which will minimize distractions.

● Students will adhere to all academic policies as outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook.

● Students will be held accountable to the Honor Code as specified in the Parent/Student

Handbook. When a student is found to be in violation of the Honor Code, he or she will be

referred to the Dean of Student Life.

● Students will be held accountable for adhering to TC’s disciplinary policies, the Anti-Bullying

Policy, and the iPad/Mobile Device Acceptable Use Policy, all of which can be found in the

Parent/Student Handbook. Violations will be referred to the Dean of Student Life.

● Students, teachers and parents will receive training on all tools, systems and technology to

support student learning.

● Violation of any school policy could negatively impact your ability to continue in the TC

FLEX program.

● Under normal circumstances, if students are not physically present for face-to-face learning,

they will not be eligible to participate in on-campus extracurricular activities, such as

athletics, clubs, performances, and other events. Permission for participation in

extracurricular activities may be granted for some activities or for some students under

certain circumstances.

● Parents and guardians are expected to maintain contact with the student's guidance

counselor and teachers.

Teacher Expectations

Below are the assurances teachers will be expected to extend to families enrolled in TC FLEX.

● Stipulate which platform will be used for virtual learning (e.g., Canvas, Zoom), post

information regarding the platform and how to access it.

● Provide a live or recorded video message for students to ensure an understanding of

expectations and learning platforms.

● Provide opportunities for online peer interaction (discussion boards, group assignments,

etc.).

● Schedule virtual office hours.

● Provide instructional resources for students and parents.

● Live videoconferencing 1:1 should include two adults or two students for accountability and

liability.

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Short-Term Absence vs. COVID-Related (TC FLEX Enrollment)

Short-Term Absence COVID-Related

Examples*

Student remains home from

school for a day or more due to

mild, common childhood

illnesses (NOT COVID

RELATED).

Student is away due to travel,

extracurricular activities, etc.

Student is observing a quarantine per CDC

guidelines due to a household member's travel

to a COVID

hotspot.

Student who is immunocompromised (or has a

household member who is

immunocompromised) is observing strict

social distancing.

Timeline Case-by-case

Synchronous instruction will begin no later

than day three of the student’s enrollment in

Flexible Learning

How To

Notify the

School

Call or email school office

(receptionist@tampacatholic.org)

Submit the TC FLEX form:

https://forms.gle/sAwup7dDiU4NzEuH7

Your guidance counselor will follow up with

you regarding next steps.

Students with last names A-G: Becky Prima

(bprima@tampacatholic.org)

Students with last names H-P: Leslie Loanzon

(lloanzon@tampacatholic.org)

Students with last names Q-Z: Mark Ventura

(mventura@tampacatholic.org)

Content

Delivery

Students will receive class

content and assignments from

teachers. Any missed

assessments may be made up

upon the student's return to

school.

Once the school is notified, and the

enrollment process completed by families, the

students will be enrolled in Flexible Learning

for a minimum of 2 weeks and will follow

courses in real-time utilizing Canvas.

*Examples are not all encompassing.

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PART 6: ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS

Hybrid Model

This option will be utilized if restrictions limit the number of students allowed on campus.

Monday: All Grades in Alpha A-K, 8 AM - 3 PM

Tuesday: All Grades in Alpha A-K, 8 AM - 3 PM

Wednesday: Deep Campus Cleaning

Thursday: All Grades in Alpha L-Z, 8 AM - 3 PM

Friday: All Grades in Alpha L-Z, 8 AM - 3 PM

Features of the Hybrid Model:

● When at school, students will attend a full class schedule.

● When not at school, students will follow a synchronous school schedule. Teachers will live

stream or pre-record daily classes via Zoom or another appropriate platform.

● Whether at school or at home, students will be able to access class documents and

information through Canvas.

● Students, teachers and parents will receive training on all tools, systems and technology to

support student learning.

● Students are able to continue to participate in extracurricular activities.

Mandated Temporary Distance Learning

This option is a temporary movement to online/distance learning at some point during the year,

depending on the level of viral transmission in the school or local community and after consultation

with public health authorities and the Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

Enhancements for Distance Learning 2020-2021:

● Students will be able to access class documents and information through Canvas.

● Students will follow an online distance learning school schedule. Teachers will live stream or

pre-record daily classes via Zoom or another appropriate platform.

● All assignments will be turned in digitally. No assignments will be requested as hard copies.

● Various technologies will be implemented in order to offer traditional assessment methods.

● Students, teachers and parents will receive training on all tools, systems and technology to

support student learning.

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PART 7: STUDENT SUPPORT

Tampa Catholic’s Guidance and Student Support teams nurture the safety and academic, social and

emotional well-being of the TC student body. The following provisions will continue to be in place

for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Social Emotional Since March, all have experienced a heightened level of stress and anxiety. It is extremely important

that we all remember to seek help and support if the level of stress and anxiety we experience

becomes overwhelming. This is especially important for our children. Tampa Catholic works closely

with a licensed mental health counselor, Angela Brinton (abrinton@tampacatholic.org), who helps

our families. If you feel that your student needs assistance, please reach out to her or your students’

guidance counselor for more information about accessing Ms. Brinton’s services.

Guidance Guidance counselors will provide:

● Assistance with schedule and class loads

● College planning and support

● Parent information meetings

Students with last names A-G: Becky Prima (bprima@tampacatholic.org)

Students with last names H-P: Leslie Loanzon (lloanzon@tampacatholic.org)

Students with last names Q-Z: Mark Ventura (mventura@tampacatholic.org)

College Counselor: Alexia Haldane (ahaldane@tampacatholic.org)

Student Support Services

The Student Support Services Office will provide:

● Weekly review of academic progress

● Planning and support strategies for students with disabilities

● Tutoring through Catapult services and a dedicated math tutor on campus.

PART 8: PLAN OF ACTION: POSSIBLE COVID-19 CASES

If a student/staff member tests positive for COVID-19, the school will follow the directions given

by the local Health Department and consult with the Office of Schools and Centers.

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APPENDIX